She also arranged for his benefits and pension payments to be paid into her own bank account and kept a life assurance payout for herself after his death despite not being entitled to it.

Duncan Ritchie, prosecuting, said Raimond was put in charge of her brother Stephen’s finances in February 2009 after he was diagnosed with the mental condition.

Throughout the period of offending he lived in nursing homes. The offending came to light after Mr Raimond died, aged 68, on October 2013.

It was discovered that his nursing home fees were £9,000 in arrears and that she had kept a life assurance policy of £3,250 for herself. And it was noted by his carers that Raimond had failed to provide adequate money for clothing and toiletries for her brother.

Mr Ritchie said: “The defendant was an infrequent visitor to see her brother.

Raimond, of Elmfield Court, Morley, initially told lies to police in a bid to cover up her offending. She pleaded guilty to theft.

Steven Nikolich, mitigating, said Raimond had worked as a cook for 30 years but was in debt when she had taken over responsibilities for her brother.

He said: “With hindsight she should have taken advice about her responsibilities. Things spiralled out of control.”

Jailing Raimond, Judge Jacqueline Davis said: “This was a shocking way to treat your brother and his family and you obviously thought you could getaway with it because of his mental condition. You spent the money in order to make your own life more comfortable.”

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